Lake 22 #702

Trail' What trail' Where'd it go'

That was the general feeling that I got from this hike after I did it today. Having never been to Lake 22 I brought my map and dressed with the expectation of some snow hiking. The first part of the Lake 22 trail is clear and well maintained. This part is quite enjoyable. Some blowdown litters parts of the trail but nothing impassable.

We passed a hiker in dockers and sneakers on our way to the top (we should have known better) who said to us ""oh yeah no problem - I made it all the way to the top - only a bit of snow up there."" Well, he lied.

Once you get to the avalanche field the trail becomes difficult to follow and navigate. Snow is about 4-5 feet deep in spots and rapid melting is causing the hiker worn path in the snow to dissapear. The melting also created for some post-holing hiking action on most parts of the snow field. Only passed one other hiker who was soaked up to the knees from snow. I had my gaiters and was pretty safe.

The let down was I never got to Lake 22, I know I got pretty close because of elevation and geography, but I have to admit that we really lost the trail. My hiking buddy was in jeans and didn't have gaiters so we turned back, knowing that we'd have to navigate back off the avalanche face. No recent avalanches there, but one that occured within the last month or so. I'll probably wait another month before I go back to Lake 22 when the trail is easier to find, or take someone who knows where they are going.

Wet toilet paper at trailhead - YIKES!